Hysterectomy 

Hysterectomy: One in five women will have had their womb (uterus) removed. This usually is the norm for women around the age of 55. A hysterectomy maybe suggested as a solution to help women with heaving bleeding from periods or other health issues that leaves no alternative but to have surgery.

A hysterectomy simply explained evolves round the female reproductive organs a system which includes  the uterus, vagina, ovaries and fallopian tubes. The uterus is a pear-shaped, muscular organ about the size of a clenched fist, positioned in the middle of the pelvis. Pregnancy develops in the uterus. The uterus lining (the endometrium) often sheds to produce monthly periods.

The uterus is divided in to two parts—the corpus which is the chief organ and the cervix at the bottom where it meets the vagina. The fallopian tubes are attached to the two upper corners of your uterus. The fallopian tubes end close to the ovaries. Before making any rash decisions to finalize removal of the womb (hysterectomy) consider all other options available, however if you have no healing positives with other treatments, then a hysterectomy maybe inevitable.

One reason for having surgery (hysterectomy) is if you suffer from heavy bleeding; Loss of menstrual flow, blood clots and pain. Some women with heavy bleeding have no detectable pelvic disease, and their heavy bleeding is normally caused through hormonal imbalance, fibroids, or thyroid disease.

The menstrual cycle is controlled by a complex system of hormones, the type and amount changing throughout the cycle. Occasionally these levels of hormones get disrupted causing irregular and/or heavy bleeding, study states that stress can affect hormone levels where periods become non existent or get heavier. Hormone irregularities happen more as we get older, you only have to use the menopause as an example i.e. your periods, “now you see me now you don’t”

Hysterectomy means removal of the uterus by operation, removal can include the cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries; however removing these through surgery will depend on severity of the condition and suffering.

The uterus can be removed through a cut in the abdomen (abdominal hysterectomy) or through the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy). Questions need to be asked relating to any doubts to clarify uncertainties.

Women fear this operation because of the risks involved but this also goes for any other operation regardless of it being a female hysterectomy. Ask your doctor or gynaecologist before surgery happens to explain what the operation entails and what kind of care you will receive before and after going down to theatre. A speedy recovery can be expected if you eat healthy and stop smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery, however if you kick the habit altogether the better. Hysterectomy surgery and pelvic floor repair are usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, not a common process but has been done with an epidural injection.

After coming round from anaesthetic do not be alarmed at finding a catheter in place. The purpose of the catheter is to help drain urine flow. Discomfort and pain can be expected so you may be hooked up to a drip, the drip provides fluid (medication and antibiotics) to help ease the pain.

No major exertion should be exercised after having a hysterectomy; however it is best to get out of bed as soon as possible. This helps to improve the blood circulation in your body and helps prevent blood clots forming. Pick up a leaflet from the clinic hospital or make an appointment with your doctor and ask him/her to explain matters in fine detail.